LOCK-INS will soon be a thing of the past, as a police campaign to crack down on unlawful boozing and anti-social behaviour has been stepped up.

Under the 'Think Safe Drink Safe' campaign, two North Manchester shops voluntarily stopped trading and serving alcohol on 27 January because the staff in charge were not in possession of a licence.

Two pubs were also voluntarily closed in the area on the same night. The first venue was shut after officers discovered members of the public drinking after time. In the second premises, officers found the licence holder intoxicated and not in full control of the venue.

Over the coming weeks, regular checks will continue to be carried out on licensed premises and off-licences across Blackley and the rest of Manchester, and those found breaking the law could face punishments ranging from fines to closure orders and loss of licence.

High-visibility patrols will also be stepped-up in local neighbourhoods, with police officers on foot, in patrol cars and on horseback. Mobile video recording equipment and CCTV will be used to help curb alcohol-fuelled crime and keep people safe during a night out.

Visits will also be made to public open spaces to crack down on under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour. Dispersal orders and street drinking bans will be reinforced and on the spot fines of £80 will be issued for drunk and disorderly behaviour and for urinating in the street.

Superintendent Gerry Donnellan from GMP said: "These results show that the majority of licensees and off-licence owners and staff are operating in a responsible manner, but the message is clear to those who flout the law. We take alcohol-related crime very seriously and irresponsible retailers will face a financial penalty.

"We will, however, continue to work with them to ensure that young people are not put at risk and licensed premises and shops licensed to sell alcohol check for ID if a customer looks underage.

"Over the coming weeks, police officers and local authority staff will be visiting on and off-licences as well as public spaces to ensure that the minority of people do not ruin the quality of life for our law abiding local citizens".

While the 'Think Safe Drink Safe' campaign is proving successful so far, so is Blackley's extended on-street booze ban.

The alcohol control order was toughened up at the end of last year to try and tackle groups of youngsters who were demonstrating 'intimidating and destructive' behaviour and causing misery for local residents.

The existing alcohol exclusion zone, which was in operation in an area bounded by Victoria Avenue East, Rochdale Road, Charlestown Road and Moston Lane, was extended south to include Boggart Hole Clough and as far east as the train line serving Moston station.

The regulations mean that, if someone is or has been drinking in the area or if they intend to drink there, a police officer can order them to stop drinking and seize the alcohol. If the boozer fails to comply they can face a £500 fine.

However, people are not banned from drinking alcohol in their back gardens or in pub beer gardens. You are also allowed to carry unopened containers such as cans and bottles through the streets.

Inspector Mark Hamilton, from Plant Hill Police Station said: "It's been really good and there's been a big reduction in all alcohol related offences.

"Everybody's really pleased. I'm not saying we've definitely turned a corner because there's still a lot to do, but we're working to ensure that people are community-friendly."